A memorial service for Seminole native Charles Melvin "Chuck" Adams was held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2007 at New Hope Christian Fellowship in Fairfax, Okla.

Pastor Bill Bray officiated with services under the direction of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home, Fairfax.

Adams, 80, died Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007 at Stillwater Medical Center. He was born Oct. 13, 1927 in Seminole to Melvin "Tude" Adams and Lettie Irene (Oliver) Adams.

He was a longtime resident of Fairfax and received his early education in the Seminole schools.

Adams served in the U.S. Air Force as a radar operator during the Korean War. On Dec. 31, 1955 he married Vianna Dolores "Woogie" Carlie in Lindsey, Okla.

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and he enjoyed golf, fishing and his cats.

His parents and one brother, Nealon Adams, preceded him in death.

Surviving is his wife of the home; one son, Mike Adams of Glencoe; one brother, Oliver Adams of Seminole; and one sister, Jeannine Murray of Midwest City.

Funeral services for longtime Wewoka resident Sophia Bevelhymer Adams will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at First Baptist Church, Wewoka, with Rev. Michael Vanlandingham and Rev. Dan Anderson officiating.

Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery under the direction of Stout-Phillips Funeral Home, Wewoka.

Sophia Lynn (Bevelhymer) Adams, age 40, went to be with her Lord on Monday, July 30, 2007. She was born Jan. 30, 1967 to Earl and Ruby (Jones) Bevelhymer in Holdenville.

She attended New Lima and Wewoka Schools and graduated from Seminole Junior College.

She was a Qualified Mental Retardation Professional Assistant at Oakridge Nursing Home for 20 years. She has a passion for the arts and was known for her hard work and willingness to help everyone.

Sophia was a loving and energetic person who always had a smile on her face. Sophia loved life and her family, especially her three boys, and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Her brother, Robbie Bevelhymer; her paternal grandparents, Herman and Nan Bevelhymer; and her maternal grandparents, Oda E. and Lillian Jones, preceded her in death.

Sophia is survived by her parents, Earl and Ruby Bevelhymer of Wewoka; her three sons, Robbie Chase Whitebird, Dillon and Dakota Darr, of Wewoka; one brother, Tony Bevelhymer and Melissa of Wewoka and three sisters, Vicky Anderson, Christy Findley and Mike, all of Wewoka, and Penny Kelly and Ryan of Thailand.

Sophia is also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

Pall bearers for the services will be Scott Slovacek, Richard Beyr, Chris Anderson, Joey Yahola, Matt Cone and Bryan Cain.

Funeral services with military honors for William Joel Addington were held at 10 a.m. Nov. 13, 2007 at Vian First Baptist Church.

Burial followed at Konawa Cemetery under the direction of Agent Funeral Home of Sallisaw.

Addington, 75, died Friday, Nov. 9, 2007 in Vian. He was born Nov. 19, 1939 in Chickasha to Retta and Terry Addington.

He was a retired U.S. Air Force Tech Sergeant and was of the Baptist faith.

On May 6, 1960 he married Cathryn Mae Addington and she survives him.

Also surviving are his two daughters, Debra Heard of Konawa and Teresa Puckett of Davis; two sons, Robert Gale of Muldrow and Don Addington of Slidell, La.; three brothers, Alonzo Berl Addington of Noble, Dean Addington of Kingston and John Addington of Holdenville; 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers for the services were his grandsons.

Funeral services for Gary Ainsworth were held Oct. 1, 2007 at the First United Methodist Church in Ada under the direction of Criswell Funeral Home, Ada. Interment followed at Kiowa Cemetery.

Ainsworth, 60, died Thursday, Sept. 27, 2007 in Ada. He was born July 28, 1947 in Atoka and was raised on a ranch in the Chockie community.

He graduated from Kiowa High School in 1965 and Murray State College in 1967, with an Associate’s degree in Science. Ainsworth earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Southeastern State College in May 1969.

After graduating college in 1969, he entered the U.S. Army at Fort Ord, California for training and continued his service with the U.S. Army Reserve, 95^th Division, in Durant, Okla., until his honorable discharge in 1976.

Returning to the Kiowa area in 1980, Ainsworth owned and operated a general construction company and a convenience store. He was also extensively involved in the creation of Three Rivers Produce in Atoka; AquaFarms Catfish in Holdenville; the USDA/OSU Research Station in Kane, Okla.; and Texhoma Floating Catfish Farm in Platter Flats, Okla.

In 1989 he became the Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs Manager for LOOK, Inc., a medical device manufacturer in Ada, before it closed in 2004. He also purchased State Beauty Supply of Ada in 1997.

Ainsworth was a 32^nd degree Mason and a member of the Blue Lodge in Calera, Okla., where he had previously served as Worshipful Master, and was a member of the Elk’s Lodge in Durant.

On Jan. 17, 1967 he married Linda S. Hallmark.

Surviving is his wife, Linda, of the home; two daughters, Lisa Ainsworth of Konawa and Landa Ainsworth of Portland, Ore.; parents, Jack and Media Ann (Cox) Ainsworth of Chockie; and one brother, David Ainsworth of Chockie.

Funeral services for former Seminole County resident Joseph John "Joe" Albus are scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Carl Whitfield will officiate.

Interment is to follow at Little Cemetery with services under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.

Albus, 71-year old longtime Mesquite, Texas, died Friday, Oct. 19, 2007 at her daughter’s home in Brownsboro, Texas. He was born Jan. 25, 1936 in Mexico, Mo., to John Edward Albus and Thelma Elizabeth (Heinley) Albus.

He graduated from Mexico (Mo.) High School and went on to be a long-distance truck driver for Sittion Motor Line, based in Missouri.

Albus lived in Oklahoma for a time before making Mesquite, Texas his home in 1985. He was also a member of the Truck Drivers Teamster Union.

He married "Patricia" Jean (Ruminer) Albus and she survives him of the home.

Other survivors include: three sons, William "Bill" Albus of Tulsa, Joe Edward Albus, Jr., of Murphysboro, Tenn., and Earnest Harper of Mannford, Okla.; four daughters, "Phyllis" Kay Dodson of Brownsboro, Texas, Marie Frances of Sapulpa, Betty Hammons of Mannford, Okla., and JoVanna Hill of Houston, Texas; one sister, Margaret Porter of Tulsa; 19 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren.

Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.swearingenfuneralhome.com.

Funeral services for Konawa resident Leo Amos Alexander, Sr. are scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday at High Springs Indian Baptist Church in Konawa with Rev. Dorsey Nero and Rev. Houston Tiger officiating. 

Wake services will be held on this evening, June 26 at High Springs Indian Baptist Church in Konawa. Interment will follow services at Vamoosa Cemetery,

Services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Konawa.

Alexander, 72, died Saturday, June 23, 2007.  He was born Sept. 22, 1934 in Konawa to Julia Factor and Sando Alexander.

Leo married Salina Mae Hill in 1955 at First Baptist Church in Konawa. 

He enjoyed playing and coaching basketball and softball.  Most of all, Leo enjoyed going to church at Seminole Baptist Church, where he had been a Deacon for many years.

Surviving is his wife Salina of the home; one son, Leo Alexander, Jr. of Konawa; two daughters, Serena Alexander of Konawa and Shirley Alexander of Seminole; 13 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren; aunts, Pauline Walker and Virginia Bolen; uncles, Huebert Alexander and Leroy Alexander, Sr and a host of other family and friends.

Serving as pallbearers will be Herschel Mitchell, Joshua Henson, Jordan Mitchell, Steven Alexander, Blake Alexander and Dillon McClain. Honorary bearers will be Kevin Mitchell and Arvel Snow III.

Graveside services for Konawa native Margaret Allen are scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday at Vista Cemetery in Konawa with Rev. Danny Daniels officiating.

Services are under the direction of Pipkin Funeral Home, Midland, Texas.

Allen, of Midland, Texas, died Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007 at her home. She was born Nov. 21, 1924 in Konawa to Everett and Vertie Townsend.

She was raised and educated in Konawa and later married Claud Allen on May 24, 1942. She was a homemaker most of her life and lived in Lubbock for many years before moving to Midland to be with her son.

Her parents; husband; daughter, Carol Heard; three brothers, Roy, Lon and Bill Townsend; and two sisters, Edith Green Lee and Emma McCracken, preceded her in death.

Surviving is her son, Harold Allen of Midland, Texas; daughter, P.K. Harmon of Flower Mound, Texas; two brothers, Gene Townsend of Lindsey and Benton Townsend of Oklahoma City; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for longtime Seminole resident Nettie Marie (Cross) Allen are scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 29 under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Howard Breat Allen officiating the service.

Interment is scheduled to follow at the Prague Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.

Allen, 93, passed away on Friday, Sept. 26, 2007.

She was born on Sept. 27, 1914 in Wuldrow, to Zachary Taylor and Sarah Ann (Watts) Cross.

She married William "Clyde" Allen in Welty on July 31, 1937.

The couple later moved to the Seminole area where Allen was a devout mother, housewife and Baptist.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Jackie Ray Allen, and sisters Thelma Allen, Verley Hamilton, Floy Davenport, and Grace Rice.

Survivors include four sons; William "Joe" Allen, Chesapeake, Va., "Jerry" Clyde Allen, Okmulgee, "Neal Allen Southern Jr., Lake Butler, Fla., Frankie "Joe" Allen, Seminole County; two daughters, Bonnie "Charlene" Welliver, of the home, and Donna "Jean Holland"; son in law, Jerry Holland, Earlsboro.

Allen’s grandsons will serve as casket bearers.

Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.swearingenfuneralhome.com.

Funeral services for longtime Seminole resident, hairdresser and beauty shop owner Arvilla Altman are scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday at the Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Wade Robertson officiating.

Services will be under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.

Arvilla died on Tuesday, April 3, 2007 in Shawnee at the age of 95. She was born on a farm in Foster, Okla. on Jan. 11, 1912 to Arthur W. and Stella Mae (McConnell) Pickett.

She attended Foster Schools and graduated from Maysville High School.

In 1936 she came to Seminole and worked at the Tonkawa Beauty Shop with Lou Blevins, her aunt. She married Vance Altman and they later moved to Fort Morgan, Colo., for two years where he worked for an oil company.

When they returned to Seminole she resumed her profession at Tonkawa Beauty Shop. She later bought Nell’s Beauty Shop at 323 E. Oak, and changed the name to Arvilla’s Beauty Shop where she stayed in the same location for over 36 years. She has been a beauty operator for over 60 years.

She attended the Harvey Road Baptist Church, where she taught the Senior Adult Ladies Class for approximately 12 years. She had been a member of BPW since the club was chartered in 1949.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband Vance Altman on Jan. 31, 1988 and sister Meathel Spradlin.

Three sisters, Armintha Blackwood of Pauls Valley, Agatha Whitten Blair of Norman and Marcella Ratcliff of Mira Loma, Calif., survive her.

Messages of condolences may be sent to the family at www.swearingenfuneralhome.com.

A private family service for Wewoka resident Treva Amos will be held at a later date with arrangements under the direction of Stout-Phillips Funeral Home, Wewoka.

Treva passed away Friday, April 20, 2007 in an Oklahoma City hospital at the age of 70 years. She was born Sept. 5, 1936 in Holdenville to Travis and Opal May (Crisenbury) Huckabay.

She graduated from Holdenville High School and was a homemaker.

Treva was a member of The Glad Tidings Church of God in Seminole and she married Richard Dean Amos on June 17, 1954 in Beeville, Texas.

Treva loved her Spanish classes and trips to Mexico, along with lawn bowling. She was selected to the World Lawn Bowlers in Fiji and Scotland.

Two brothers, Manuel and Kenneth Huckabay, preceded her in death.

Surviving is her husband, Richard of the home; two daughters, Sherry Lyn Shaeffer of Oregon and Tammie Dee Peterson of Texas; son, Ronnie Dean Amos of California; four grandchildren, Drew, Madi, Brian and Marisa and one brother, Twelis Dewayne Huckabay of California.

Funeral services for longtime Maud resident Betty Reed Anderson are scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday at the First Baptist Church in Maud; Greg Goss and Rev. Bobby Shatto will officiate.

Burial will follow at Cummings Cemetery in Maud. Services are under the direction of Knight-Swearingen Funeral Home, Maud.

Betty, 67, passed from this life Friday, Aug. 3, 2007 at her home in Maud. She was born Sept. 4, 1939 in Ardmore.

She married Donnie Elbert "Don" Reed, and together they had four children. Don tragically died in an automobile accident in 1982.

Betty later met and married Noel "Junior" Anderson; he preceded her in death in 1994.

Betty worked for Pottowatomie County Commissioners in Shawnee as the road and bridge coordinator until she was recently diagnosed with cancer.

She moved to the Maud area 46 years ago from Tatum, N.M. Betty was a member of the First Baptist Church in Maud.

Betty leaves to cherish her memory two sons and a daughter-in-law, Russ and Sherry Reed of Meeker, and Rick Reed of Maud; three daughters and sons-in-law: Angela and Scott Gibbs of Holdenville, Elizabeth and Gary Job Barnhart of Wewoka and Kathy Stacy of Eufaula; two brothers and a sister-in-law, Jerry Jones of Okmulgee and Raymond and Virginia Jones of Ardmore; one sister-in-law, Laveta Reed of Midland, Texas; seven grandchildren: Courtney Lunsford, Charley Nichole Barnhart, Coty Job Barnhart, Taylor Don Reed, Jaden Tyce Gibbs, Lorlie Langston, Faith Flick and Caleb Stacey.

Betty is also survived by a host of other family and dear friends.

Betty is preceded in death by her two husbands; one sister and brother-in-law, Charlene and Bobbie Franklin and by one brother, Fred Jones.

Casket bearers will be J.P. Lucy, Jessie Williams, Logan Allison, Richie Adams, Ashley Postman and Glen Bowers.

Honorary bearers will be Buck Day, Jerry Richards, Paul Lucy, Clifton Grove, Joe Childers, Bob Guinn and Floyd Cox.

Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.swearingenfuneralhome.com.

Funeral services are scheduled for longtime Seminole resident Dorene Andrews at 1:00 p.m., Thursday at the Swearingen Funeral Chapel with Don Ramsey officiating. 

A reception will be held following the service at the Seminole Best Western Hotel Inn & Suites.

Dorene passed away on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2007 at the age of 44.

She was born Jan. 22, 1963 in Atoka, Oklahoma to Theodore "Ted" Wayne and Lena (Rains) Maxwell.

She married Jerry Lawrence Andrews on May 26, 1982 in Woodward, Oklahoma. 

Dorene was co-owner of Tower Machine and once owned the restaurant Dorene’s at Granny Ferns in Seminole.

She loved to travel to tropical destinations; some of her favorite places include Playa del Carmen, Mexico, Jamaica and Key West Florida where she was planning to visit again soon.

Dorene also loved visiting New York and Las Vegas, were she had been many times. Dorene enjoyed photography, shopping, tanning, and loved gambling.

She loved attending concerts; some of her favorite artists were George Strait, Rod Stewart, Gary Allen and Big & Rich.

Dorene was known for making the best chicken strips, French fries and homemade gravy ever.

She had a love for animals, especially her dog Tabitha and her cat Mary Jane.

She was a beloved wife and an amazing mother who will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Her father precedes her in death.

Survivors include her mother, Lena Maxwell of Atoka; her husband Jerry Andrews of the home; two sons, Jason Allen Smithart of Seminole, and Jesse Dale Andrews of Norman; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Charles and Shay Maxwell of Seminole, Teddy and Crystal Maxwell of Seminole; and two sisters and brother-in-law, Earlene and Jack Fomby of Atoka, and Charlene Gwinn of Louisiana and a special niece, Anita and husband Mark Zurline.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.swearingenfuneralhome.com.

Funeral services for longtime Seminole resident and Funeral Director Harry Raymond Arnhart are scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel in Seminole with Rev. Carl Whitfield officiating the service and Rev. Tom Newell assisting.

Interment will follow at Little Cemetery, north of Seminole, with military honors, under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.

Harry Raymond Arnhart, 86-years-old, passed from this life Saturday, May 12, 2007 in Seminole. He was born March 24, 1921 in Drumright to parents Tom Arnhart and Amy (Winsett) Arnhart.

Harry graduated from Drumright High School and went on to serve in the United States Navy. While in the Navy, Harry was an Aviation Metal Smith receiving the Victory Metal, American Area Campaign Medal and the Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Metal.

Following his service to this Country Harry went on to continue his education at Dallas Institute of Funeral Service in Texas.

On March 24, 1941 Harry married Martha Mae Phillips in Drumright. Harry and Martha moved to Seminole to help his aunt Ora Gibson run the Gibson Funeral Home until 1954.

Harry would partner with the Chadwick Funeral Home in Seminole that was owned at that time by Rex Sommerville and Gene Swearingen.

The Funeral Home became known as Sommerville-Swearingen-Arnhart Funeral Home.

After Rex Sommerville retired, Harry sold his interest in the Funeral Home to Robert E. Swearingen in 1983.

Harry then started a transportation service he named "M-T Services" that catered to Oklahoma Funeral Homes until his retirement in 2006.

Harry was a longtime member of the Seminole Church of God and had received his 50-year pin from the Oklahoma Funeral Directors Association; he had also been a longtime member of the Seminole Lion’s Club.

When Harry turned 80 he renewed his pilots license because of his love for flying. Harry also enjoyed his morning coffee at McDonalds and the group of people he fellow shipped with there.

He enjoyed the "Heritage House" in Seminole where he would have lunch and play dominoes and had made many dear friends there.

Harry had always been very active always, bike riding, logging over 3,000 miles on his red Schwinn bicycle, walking while keeping tabs on how far he could walk in a day, and swimming at the Seminole State College pool.

Harry has touched many lives through the years caring for the people of Seminole and surrounding communities.

He will be missed by many.

Harry is preceded in death by his father, Tom Arnhart; his mother, Amy (Winsett) Arnhart-Fitch; one infant daughter, Ramonda Lynn Arnhart; his wife, Martha Arnhart who died on Sept. 8, 1996; one son, Terry Donald Arnhart who died on April 25, 2001; one granddaughter, Darcy Leigh Arnhart who died on Jan. 13, 2006; and by one great granddaughter, Mandi Star Arnhart who died on Jan. 15, 2007.

Harry is survived by one son, Jerry R. Arnhart and his wife Charlotte of Oklahoma City; one grandson, Randy Arnhart and his wife Dawn of Moore; two step grandchildren, Traci Silverson of Largo, Fla. and Daniel Nowlan of Calgary Alberta Canada; two great-grandchildren, Chelsea and Jeron Arnhart of Moore; and five step-great-grandchildren, Rachel and Tyler Silverson and Sean, Brandon and Caitlan Nowlan.

Harry is also survived by his "Funeral Home" family; Bob, Terry, Sassy, Beau, Hugh, Brent, Carl, Kay, David, Carole, Chris, Melba, Matt and Dawn.

Pallbearers will be: Homer Neill, Ray Jackson, Ralph Pippin, Hugh Megee, Bob Griffith, and Bill Hooten.

Honorary Bearers will be: Bob Swearingen, Herb Gunter, Bedford Brewer, Ronnie Conner and Gary Snow.

Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.swearingenfuneralhome.com.

Funeral services for longtime Oklahoma City area resident Mandi Starr Arnhart are scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at the Swearingen Funeral Chapel with G.C. Gray officiating.

Interment will follow at Bower Cemetery in Eufaula under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.

Arnhart passed away on Monday, Jan. 15, 2007 in Oklahoma City at the age of 27.

She has fought a long hard battle with Leukemia since the age of three and then diabetes since the age of ten to which she finally succumbed.

Mandi was born on Aug. 20, 1979 to the late Darcy Leigh Arnhart. Her stepfather is Michael Lockhart of Oklahoma City and she is the granddaughter of Jerry Arnhart and Linda Arnhart of Canadian, Okla. and Barbara Lindecamp of Oklahoma City and the late George Lindecamp.

She is the great-granddaughter of Harry R. Arnhart of Seminole and the late Martha Arnhart, and maternal great-grandparents the late LeRoy and Pauline Collins.

Surviving is her great aunt, Paula Geuin of Canadian, Okla. and late uncle, Kenneth Geuin and two uncles, Randy Arnhart and Kevin Lindecamp of Oklahoma City.

Her father, Tony Graham and brother, Jeran Graham also survives her.

She has left to cherish her memories her precious pet Ginger and a small but loving family of aunts, uncles, cousins and other family and friends.

She is also preceded in death by one great uncle Terry Arnhart.

Visitation will be held at Swearingen Funeral Home until the service time on Saturday. 

Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.swearingenfuneralhome.com.

Graveside services for Ruby Pauline Ashlock-Rose, 87, of Tecumseh, are scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday at Allen Cemetery in Allen.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home, Tecumseh.

Ruby passed away Monday, March 19, 2007 in Tecumseh. She was born Feb. 8, 1920 in Lovelady, Okla. to Charlie and Francis Wilkinson.

On Dec. 13, 1937 she married James Marshall Ashlock. They had two daughters, Joyce and Judy. Mr. Ashlock preceded her in death in 1972.

In June 1975, she married Cleatus Rose, who preceded her in death in 1987.

She continued to make her home in Tecumseh until her death.

Her parents; one brother, Joe Wilkinson, and three sisters, Ozella Mays, Juanita Moore and Corene Julian also preceded her in death.

She is survived by her daughters, Judy Harris and husband, Joe of Blackwell and Joyce Jackson and husband, Jimmy, of Bethel Acres; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and two sisters, Velma Moore and June Wellington.

To share memories, or to sign the guest book online, go to cooperfuneralhome.com.

Funeral services for former Seminole County resident John Keith Atkins are set for 1:30 p.m. Thursday, July 19, 2007, at Swearingen Funeral Chapel in Seminole.

The services will be under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home of Seminole, with interment to follow at the Atkins Family Cemetery in Stonewall.

Steve Foster and David Atkins will officiate the services.

John Atkins died Saturday, July 14, 2007, in Tulsa, at the age of 42.

He was born Aug. 12, 1964, in Colgate, to John C. Atkins and Katherine Deere.

He lived in Oklahoma for four years.

Atkins worked as a firefighter and paramedic in Garland, Texas, for many years. As a second job, he remodeled homes in Texas.

He was a member of the New Heights Baptist Church in Garland.

Atkins was preceded in death by his step-mother Kay Atkins.

He is survived by his parents, John C. Atkins of Garland, Texas, and Katherine Deere of Tecumseh; an adopted son, John Micah Atkins; a daughter, Ashley Nicole Atkins; step-mother Darla Atkins; a brother, Forrest Atkins; and a sister, Pamela Hurst.

Messages of condolences may be left for the family at swearingenfuneralhome.com.

Memorial services for former Seminole County resident David Lee Atkinson are scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday at the First Church of God, 1025 E. 9^th, Shawnee.

Rev. Tom Harrison will be officiating and interment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Seminole.

Atkinson died Monday, May 28, 2007 in Oklahoma City. He was born Feb. 23, 1950 in Seminole to Richard and Juanita Self Atkinson.

He graduated from Seminole High School in 1968, but also attended Varnum High School. Atkinson served in the United States Air Force from March 1969 till March 1972.

His father Joseph Richard Atkinson, and his grandparents John and Sadie Atkinson preceded him in death.

 Surviving is his mother Juanita Sherman of Wewoka; one son, Major David Atkinson of Sacramento, Calif.; one daughter, Alysia Dobson of Corona, Calif.; stepmother, Bonnie Atkinson of Seminole; one brother Jerry Atkinson of Seminole; two sisters, Teresa Wolf, Jr. of Shawnee and Renee Huntley of Wewoka and six grandchildren. 

Funeral services for Cromwell native, Frances Wells (Walker) Austin, are scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday at the First Church of the Nazarene of Plainville, Kan., with Rev. Daryl Sherraden officiating.

Burial will follow at Plainville Cemetery under the direction of Moore-Overlease Funeral Chapel, Plainville, Kan.

Austin, 80, of Plainville, Kan., died Monday, Dec. 24, 2007 at her home in Plainville. She was born Dec. 27, 1926 in Cromwell to Fred E. and Marta U. (Parks) Walker.

She graduated from Wewoka High School and from Draughon’s Business College in Tulsa.

Austin worked for Mid-Continent Petroleum Company in Tulsa; Department of Public Welfare and Department of Public Health, both in Seminole; and the Texas Employment Commission in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Following this, she then was the Rooks County Appraiser for 18 years, retiring in December 1991.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Plainville, and the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter #479 of Plainville and later of Hays Chapter #228.

On May 26, 1950 she married Farris F. Austin in Wewoka.

Her parents; husband (March 3, 2002); son, Jim Austin (Aug. 3, 2005), and one grandson, preceded her in death.

Surviving are her daughter, Alisa Dreher of Plainville; sons: Frank Austin of Tustin, Calif., Darrell Austin of Fort Collins, Colo.; stepdaughter, Gwen Ollis of Creal Springs, Ill.; sisters: Beth Shipman of Maud and Mimi Lee of Maud; 13 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Seminole resident Jimmie Austin are scheduled for 2 p.m., Tuesday at the First Baptist Church in Seminole. Rev. Russell Vicars and Pastor Tommy Clark will officiate the service.

Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery.

Services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.

Jimmie Austin passed from this life Friday, Aug. 3, 2007 at the age of 90. He was born May 22, 1917 in Sasakwa to A.L. and Zadie Austin.

He married his high school sweetheart, Lucille Marie Pruitt, on Dec. 29, 1937, in Holdenville. She preceded him in death on July 12, 2004.

At the age of twelve Jimmie got a job driving a team of mules in the oilfields. After high school he started work in the oilfields, working for J.B. Barnes Drilling Company, D.B. Malemee Oil Comapany, and Viersen and Cochran Company.

At the age of 34, Jimmie bought his first drilling rig and began Austin-Dunham Drilling Company.

In 1953 he formed the Austin Drilling Company and in 1958 he along with his sons started Austin & Sons Drilling Company.

During his thirty-one years in the drilling business, he drilled over 1400 wells. In November 1981 he sold all his drilling rigs and began increasing his volume of activity with working interests in oil and gas wells.

He formed Austin Equipment Sales Company and began buying oilfield equipment including components for drilling rigs. In 1990 he sold all of the oilfield equipment and began concentrating on his investments and cattle company.

Jimmie sold the cattle business in 2001. He was the president of Austin Management Corporation, Austin Drilling Inc., and Austin Production Company.

Jimmie was an active participant and supporter of golf. In 1975 he helped the City of Seminole expand the town's nine-hole course into an exceptional 18-hole venue, which he operated for many years.

In keeping with his love for golf, Jimmie was a major contributor to the renovation of the University of Oklahoma Golf course, and the course is named in his honor.

A grandfather of four and great-grandfather of seven, Mr. Austin had a special interest in youth activities, especially youth golf.

As a civic leader for Seminole and for the state of Oklahoma, he served on numerous Seminole city commissions, also as a member of the Oklahoma Turnpike Commission and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority.

He worked diligently with the Chamber of Commerce and the Seminole Industrial Authority to recruit industry to the area. He was appointed as Commissioner for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation in 1987, and continued as Commissioner until 2003.

He was the founder of the Seminole Golf Foundation, Inc., and member of the Seminole Municipal Airport Board.

He was the former director of the Seminole Chamber of Commerce, International Association of Drilling Contractors, American Petroleum Institute, and Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association.

He was a former member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and Seminole Water Authority board.

In recognition of his professional and civic achievements, he was honored many times, including induction into the Seminole State College Hall of Fame for his contributions to civic and youth programs, selected as "Man of the Month" by the Oklahoma Petroleum Club, and "Citizen of the Year" by Seminole Chamber of Commerce.

Jimmie and Marie were significant supporters of the Seminole Hospital.

Jimmie supported all areas of education with an emphasis on higher education. Together with his wife, Marie, they endowed a Biblical Research Center and established the Jimmie and Marie Austin Scholarship Fund at Oklahoma Baptist University.

They also established the Jimmie and Marie Austin Scholarship Fund at Seminole State College and actively supported many other programs of the college.

Jimmie was a member of the First Baptist Church of Seminole.

Jimmie is survived by his two sons and their wives, Paul D. and Jane Austin, and Jimmie Lynn and Billye Austin all of Oklahoma City.

His four grandchildren and their spouses, Guy and Julie Austin of Norman; Christy and Steve Barnes of Douglas, Okla.; John and Susan Austin of Norman; Mark and Jennifer Austin of Norman also survive him.

Seven great-grandchildren also survive him, Alexandria Marie Austin and Cameron Cole Austin of Norman, Oklahoma; Shea Lynn Barnes of Douglas, Okla.; Coner Elizabeth Austin, Hunter Douglas Austin, Parker Amis Austin and Carter Reed Austin all of Norman.

Jimmie is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family has designated the following as appropriate for memorial donations:

Jimmie and Marie Austin Scholarship fund at Seminole State College, P.O. Box 351, Seminole, Oklahoma 74818-0351 (Phone 405-382-9950)

Jimmie and Marie Austin Scholarship fund at Oklahoma Baptist University c/o Development Office, 500 W. University, OBU Box 61275, Shawnee, Oklahoma 74804 (Phone 405-878-2020)

The University of Oklahoma Foundation for the Jimmie Austin OU Golf Course Endowment Fund, 1000 Asp Avenue Room 216, Norman, Oklahoma 73019 (Phone 405-325-0311).

The casket will remain open only for visitation.

A memorial service for longtime Maud resident Mary Ann Azlin is scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday at the First Baptist Church in Maud with Rev. Tim Harjo officiating.

Services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.

Mary Ann Azlin passed away Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2007 in Shawnee at the age of 69. She was born July 31, 1937 in Maud to Dewey Belton and Effie Elizabeth (Shelton) Silas.

She married Gene Azlin in Wewoka in March of 1965 and she was a retired cook for Maud Schools, where she worked for over 30 years.

She loved to read, cook and watch her grandkids play sports. She was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother who will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Surviving is her husband, Gene of the home; one son, Jimmy Wayne Hanks of Ponca City; three daughters, Terri Colvin of Shawnee, Vicki Hanks of Maud and Linda Azlin of Maud; eight grandchildren, Billy Colvin, Jimmy Hanks Jr., Jacob Vloedman, Chris Colvin, Terra Vloedman, Jessica Farani, Eddie Hanks and Garon Nelson.

She is also survived by nine great-grandchildren, Kyla, Chandler and Landon Colvin, Michael, Hanna and Isabella Hanks, Aden and Heaven Bond and Bryler Lewis.

Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.swearingenfuneralhome.com.

Funeral services for Sasakwa native Frances May Babb are scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday in Swearingen Chapel, Konawa, with Rev. Robert Teel officiating.

Interment is to follow at Wolf Cemetery in Wolf, and visitation is set for 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Wednesday at Swearingen Chapel, Konawa.

Services are under the direction of Hale’s Funeral Home, Davis.

Babb died Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007 in Sulphur at the age of 82. She was born May 21, 1925 in Sasakwa to Adam and Betty (Freeman) Jones.

Being one of eight children, and knowing the importance of family, she passed that legacy on to her children and their families.

On July 3, 1941 she married W.A. Babb in Sasakwa; he preceded her in death on Dec. 8, 1986. She attended both the Pentecostal Holiness Church of Konawa and Davis.

Her parents; two sons, Bobby and Jerry Babb; and six sisters and one brother, also preceded her in death.

Survivors include four daughters: Carolyn Williams of Davis, Virginia Weaver of Davis, Pat White of McLoud, and Gayla Palmer of Seminole; five sons: James Babb of Seminole, Dale Babb, Gary Babb, and Marty Babb, all of Ada, and Keith Babb of Springer; 34 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and several great-great grandchildren.

Her grandsons will be serving as pallbearers.

In celebration of the life of Jack Ray Bailey, funeral services were held today at 2 p.m. at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Carl Whitfield officiating.

Interment followed at Rest haven Memorial Gardens under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.

Longtime Seminole resident, Jack Bailey, passed away Sunday, Nov. 4, 2007 in Oklahoma City, at the age of 82. He was born Feb. 8, 1925 in Purcell, Okla., to William Ray "Bill" and Frances Lydia (Neville) Bailey. He lived in Seminole for 62 years.

On April 26, 1945 he married Alma "Sissy" (Clark) Bailey in Seminole.

He was a self-employed auto mechanic, electrician, builder and jack-of-all-trades. He was a member of the First Missionary Baptist Church and built a second home at Eufaula Lake and enjoyed spending time there with family and friends.

Jack is survived by his wife of 62 years, Alma "Sissy" Bailey, of Seminole; three daughters: Jackie Bailey of McKinney, Texas, Jo Ann Anson of Tecumseh, and Judy Capps of Harrah; one son, Danny Ray Bailey of Shawnee; and three sisters, Ollie Switzer of Norman, Helen Kennan of Edmond, and Nellie Sue Longworth and husband Gene of Stillwater.

He is also survived by six grandchildren: Stephanie Mills of McKinney, Texas, Cary Burton and husband Loren of Ninnekah, Okla., Kellye Karstetter of Oklahoma City, Rachelle Farkas and husband Eric of McKinney, Texas, Matt Darr of Seminole, Sandra "Sissy" Bailey of Shawnee; 13 great-grandchildren; and his first great-great granddaughter, Jayden Faith Mortenson, that will be born on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2007.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Frances Bailey; two brothers, James and Joe Bailey; and three sisters: Willie Motley, Virginia Thomas and Lou Ella Bailey.

Pallbearers were: Matt Darr, Loren Burton, Jaron Burton, Chase Burton, Eric Farkas, Dustin Mills, Brett Walker and Jason Lozier.

Honorary bearers were: Bill Clark, Gary Darr, Roger Mills, Tom Anson, Marvin Dunn and Eldon Shepherd.

Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.swearingenfuneralhome.com.

Funeral services for former Seminole resident, Harold "Wayne" Baker, were held on Friday, March 30, 2007 at First Baptist Church in Choctaw. Burial followed at Little Cemetery.

Baker, 45, died Tuesday, March 27, 2007 at Midwest City Regional Hospital. He was born Sept. 30, 1961 in Oklahoma City to Wayne and Morna Baker.

He worked as a machinist at Tinker Air Force Base for 24 years. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, riding his Harley and restoring and showing his ’56 Ford.

His mother (1998) and grandparents, Chester and Ruby Baker and Lucy Burgett preceded him in death.

Surviving is his daughter, Shelbi Mullinax of Bridge Creek; one grandchild; twin brother, Terrell "Wyatt" Baker of Corpus Christi, Texas; two sisters, Susan Chadick of Ada and Sally Perry of Seminole and his father, Wayne Baker of Bowlegs..

Funeral services for Wewoka resident Kenneth W. "Wink" Ballard are scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday at the First Baptist Church, Wewoka.

Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery, Wewoka. Services are under the direction of Stout Phillips Funeral Home, Wewoka.

Kenneth William Ballard passes away Saturday, Dec. 1, 2007 in California. He was born to Wilbert Marion Ballard and Fannie Mae Ballard in Cheyenne, Okla., on Nov. 16, 1915.

His youth was enjoyed among the beautiful rolling hills of western Oklahoma with his sister Bernice and brothers Royal, Jody and Dwight.

After graduating from Cheyenne High School he studied agriculture at Oklahoma A&M College in Stillwater.

On Dec. 28, 1937 he married Geneva Nadine Bryan of Heavener, Okla. Their early married life was in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas near Donna. Then they moved to western Oklahoma near Reydon, where they began farming.

With the beginning of a family, they moved to Oklahoma City and then to Wewoka in 1949.

Kenneth and Geneva operated Ballard’s Grocery Store and served many generations of Wewoka’s students for noon-time meals.

His extensive years in retail business contributed to his family’s comfort and made possible for their son’s formal education.

Service to his Lord was through personal witness on the importance of church, family and education. He was active in different witnessing and leadership activities with the First Baptist Church of Wewoka.

He enjoyed regular participation in the choir and frequently shared his gift of voice through solos. Much of his and Neva’s social enjoyment came from friends within the church and regular after service visiting, coffee and cake.

A personal highlight of Kenneth’s was the celebration with family and friends at their Golden Wedding Anniversary in 1987; and pride in 63 years of marriage to Geneva.

Kenneth is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Bryan and Garla Kay of Avalon, Calif.’ his grandsons, Blaine Cullen Ballard of Los gatos, Calif., and Brant Kerwin and Jamie Ballard of Dublin, Calif.; along with his two great-grandsons, Sean Danniel and Andrew James Ballard.

His wife, Geneva, and his sister and brothers preceded him in death.

Funeral services for former Wewoka resident Beatrice June Banks are scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday at St. Paul’s Baptist Church in Wewoka.

Services are under the direction of Myers Mortuary, Wewoka.

Beatrice June Banks, the eldest daughter of Ida and Morris Myers, was born on May 20, 1914, in Montpelier, Miss.

When Beatrice was two years old, the family migrated to Wewoka, Okla. where Beatrice remained for the majority of her life. With four younger siblings, Beatrice enjoyed the responsibilities of being an older sister. She cared for them as their "second" mother.

At an early age, Beatrice’s parents enrolled her in piano lessons and a love for music quickly developed.

Beatrice obtained a Bachelor of Arts from Bishop College in 1936, and continued on to the Chicago Conservatory of Music where she received a degree in piano.

Several years later, in 1957, Beatrice earned a Master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Oklahoma.

Beatrice had a 45-year career as a high school and elementary school teacher in the Wewoka Public Schools.

In 1939 Beatrice married James C. Scott, and eight years later they celebrated the birth of their only child, Maurice ("Skipper").

The couple was incredibly devoted to their son and enjoyed every moment they spent with him.

While putting family first, Beatrice remained highly involved in the community. She was the organist, pianist and choir director for St. Paul Baptist Church, an active member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and volunteered at the local museum.

Beatrice shared her passion for music by teaching piano to neighborhood children for many years, and later expanded her artistic talent by becoming an avid painter after retirement.

In 1968, James passed away and the relationship between Skipper and his mother developed into an extraordinary love. Beatrice was also a cherished mother-in-law to Kathy and adored by her grandchildren, Sara and Scotty.

A brother, Lennell Myers, a sister, Mildred Carlton and numerous nieces and nephews, also survives her.

Beatrice spent the last seven years in Denver, Colo. with her family. Skip describes his mother as having a quiet, strong spirit that encouraged those around her to conquer their fears and follow their dreams.

She was a "constant beacon of light" to all who were blessed to know her.

Funeral services for Wewoka resident Leamon Darrel Barnes are scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday at Stout-Phillips Funeral Chapel with interment at Oakwood Cemetery.

Services are under the direction of Stout-Phillips Funeral Home, Wewoka.

Darrel passed away March 3, 2007 at the age of 75 years. He was born September 21, 1931 in Holdenville to Edward M. and Eva (Smith) Barnes.

He graduated from Wewoka High School. Darrel married June Ledbetter of Hoisington, Kan.

He was Sharp Shooter and expert rifleman in the United States Army

He enjoyed golf, cars, military history and was a devoted husband and excellent father.

Darrel was employed by Carter Oil Company and Humble Oil Company that later became Exxon.

He lived in Oklahoma City for 18 years and was employed by Lutson and Company CPA Firm. He attended Oklahoma City University to obtain his bachelor’s degree in accounting and then earned his CPA certificate.

He was employed by Farm Fresh Dairy in Ponca City as the controller and worked for them for a number of years, before having his own accounting business.

His parents Edward and Eva Barnes, and brother Carl Barnes preceded Darrel in death.

Survivors include his Daughter, Terri Barnes Carlat and husband Joseph Dane Carlat; granddaughter, Dana Marie Carlat; brother, Leon Barnes and wife Alma; sisters, Monnie Reich and Hazel Morphis; sister-in-law, Imogene Barnes; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for longtime Wewoka resident Cleta May Barnhart were held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Stout-Phillips Funeral Home with Rev. Larry Chesser Sr. officiating.

Interment followed the funeral at Oakwood Cemetery under the direction of Stout-Phillips Funeral Home.

Barnhart died Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2007 in Wewoka. She was born May 26, 1923 in Pottawatomie County to Seth Thomas and Lou Della (Crownover) Stone.

On Oct. 26, 1940 she married Tob Barnhart in Holdenville and they moved to Wewoka and made their home.

She was a cashier for Morgan’s Mug Restaurant in Wewoka for over 40 years and was a member of Midway Baptist Church in Wewoka.

Her parents and husband preceded her in death.

Surviving are sons, Leon Barnhart and Kenneth Barnhart; daughters, Linda Gean, Treva Anderson and Robin North; sister, Etta Willis; 29 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers for the services were Richard "Rick" Barnhart, Clayton Bruce Whitlock, Charlie Whitlock and Lonnie Gates.

Graveside services for former Seminole resident Winifred Helen "Gwen" (Sims) Barrett were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Resthaven Memorial Park in Shawnee.

Services were under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.

Gwen passed from this life Saturday, Sept. 29, 2007 at Ranch Terrace Nursing Home in Sapulpa, Okla. She was born Nov. 7, 1917 in Norge, Okla., to parents Charley Lewis Sims and Dolly Edith (Wheeler) Sims.

Mrs. Barrett married her husband Theodore William Barrett on Nov. 18, 1933 in Duncan, Okla. The Barretts lived in Seminole County from 1934 to 1959 and moved to Sapulpa in 1962. She was a homemaker and had also worked as a cook at both Varnum and Twin Oaks Schools.

Gwen was a member of the Central Church of Christ in Shawnee.

Her parents, Charley Lewis Sims and Dolly Edith (Wheeler) Sims; her husband Theodore William Barrett; one daughter Bobbie Jean Reeves; and four brothers Charlie Brady Sims, Eldon Sims, Tom Sims and Bobby Sims preceded Gwen in death.

Gwen leaves to cherish her memory daughters and sons-in-law: Erma June and "Sug" Hale of Las Animas, Colo., Doris Helen Freeman of East Point, Mich., Patricia Ann and Larry Neer of Oklahoma City, and Starla Kay and Marlin Southerland of Sapulpa; one son and daughter-in-law, Teddy Mitchell and Sonya Barrett of Littleton, Colo.; one son-in-law, Doyle Reeves of Dallas, Texas; three brothers and a sister-in-law, Dan Sims of Shawnee, Tony Sims of Penticton, British Columbia and Wesley and "Vi" Sims of Shawnee; one sister and a brother-in-law, Jacqueline and Bill Farris of Newalla; one sister-in-law, Sena Sims of Tulsa; 13 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.swearingenfuneralhome.com.

Graveside services for Maud resident William "Bill" Bassett will be held at 2 p.m. today at Cummings Cemetery with Rev. Carl Whitfield officiating and the United States Navy presenting military honors.

Services are under the direction of Knight-Swearingen Funeral Home, Maud.

William "Bill" Bassett passed away on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 in Norman, at the age of 81. He was born on Oct. 5, 1925 in Cromwell to Harold Elmer and Hazel (Bridgeman) Bassett.

He married Tawana Lee (Bussey) Bassett on Oct. 30, 1942 in Maud. He retired twenty years ago from Buck Exploration where he was in the oilfield.

Bassett served in the United States Navy receiving the Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with five stars, serving during World War II.

His parents, one sister, and one grandchild Clinton Bassett precede him in death.

He is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Robert W. Bassett and his wife Carolyn of Maud; two daughters and sons-in-law, Mary L. Byrd and husband Walter of Poetry, Texas and Linda Johnson and husband Donnie of Vici, Okla.; one brother, Richard Bassett of Oklahoma City; eight grandchildren, Alan Bassett, Mark Estes, David Estes, Kerta Thrower, Michael Emmerick, Trena Hopson, Larrianne Bishop, and Clynt Johnson and 15 great-grandchildren.

Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.swearingenfuneralhome.com.

A private family service will be held in the honor of Wewoka native Kennith Silas Beamer of Oologah.

Beamer, 83, died Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007 in Claremore. He was born March 29, 1924 in Wewoka to Henry E. and Lottie (Redford) Beamer.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and married Mary Tom.

Together they raised two daughters and she preceded him in death in 2005.

Beamer worked as an electrician for Circle L. Electric in Tulsa before retiring. He belonged to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers #584.

After retiring he worked as a handyman and helped with the Oologah restoration. He enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family.

His parents, wife and one brother, Byron Beamer, preceded him in death.

Surviving are his daughters, Lou Ann Frost of Claremore and Rebecca Beamer of Oologah; one brother, Carl Beamer of Bullhead, Ariz.; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Graveside services for former Seminole resident Lorene C. (Criswell) Beattie, are scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, July 14, 2007 at Oakwood Cemetery in Wewoka.

Father Basil M. Keenan, O.S.B. will officiate.

Services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.

Beattie passed away on Thursday, July 12, 2007 in Tulsa at the age of 91.

She was born to Arthur A. Criswell and Ola (Chastain) Criswell in Wewoka on March 15, 1916.

She married Fred C. Beattie in Wewoka. He preceded her in death in 1992.

Beattie attended the University of Oklahoma and was of the Catholic faith.

She lived in Seminole County for 30 years before moving to Oklahoma City and later to Tulsa.

She is preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Raymond Criswell; and one sister, Annell Gregg.

Beattie is survived by two nephews, Lawrence J. Gregg, M.D. of Tulsa and Dan Criswell, M.D. of Lawton; and one niece, Sally Criswell Guldenschue.

The family has requested that memorial donations be made to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, P.O. Box 164, Seminole Okla. 74818-0164.

Messages of condolences can be sent to the family online at www.swearingenfuneralhome.com.

Funeral services for former longtime Seminole resident Bonnie Evalee Beckett are scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday at highway Baptist Church with Rev. Carl Whitfield officiating.

Interment is to follow at Little Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.

Beckett, 87, died Monday, July 30, 2007 in Cleveland, Okla. She was born on Jan. 11, 1920in Gabriel, Ark., to Richard Austin and Tennessee Evalee (Bohanan) Austin.

On Sept. 15, 1942 she married Youkle Beckett in Okemah and worked at Pat’s Café as a waitress for 20 years and at Doyle’s Quick Stop for five years.

She was a member of the Highway Baptist Church for 54 years.

Her parents; husband (Oct. 27, 1990); one daughter, Phyllis Hoffman (1977); one sister; and three brothers, preceded her in death.

Surviving is one son, Jim Beckett of Hominy, Okla.; one sister, Nellie Smith of Tulsa; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Messages of condolence may be sent o the family at www.swearingenfuneralhome.com.

Funeral services for former Seminole student Corey J. Beckwith are scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday at the K.L. Sharp Funeral Home, Cincinnatus, N.Y. with Fred M.S. Downs officiating.

Interment will follow at Taylor Rural Cemetery, Taylor, N.Y.

Beckwith, 35 of Taylor, N.Y., went to be with the Lord Saturday, Jan. 13, 2007 at his home. He was born June 1, 1971 in Cortland, N.Y. to Alan and Karol Smith Beckwith.

He attended grade school in Seminole and was a 1990 graduate of Cincinnatus Central School in Cincinnatus.

Beckwith was employed as a superintendent and a heavy equipment operator for Procon Construction Company in Vestal, N.Y.

He was a member of the Ideal Street Baptist Church in Seminole, McGraw Sportsman’s Club (McGraw, N.Y.) and the Sons of the American Legion post #973 (South Otselic, N.Y.).

Corey truly enjoyed the outdoors and spent much of his free time hunting, fishing and trap shooting. He would often spend time helping his friends or lending a hand to several local farmers.

A loving husband, father, son and brother, he will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Surviving is his wife, Paula; children, Arielle Emily, Cody James and Tyler Robert Beckwith; mother, Karol Hart of Plano, Texas.

He also leaves behind his father, Alan (Linda) Beckwith of Willet, N.Y.; sisters, Dana (Charles) Holley of Seminole and Lindsey Beckwith of Willet, N.Y.; a brother, Raymond (Tracy) Smith of Willet; paternal grandmother, Veronica Beckwith of Taylor; maternal grandmother, Laura Smith of Cortland; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; and his canine companion, "Bud".

Those wishing to remember Corey are asked to consider the McGraw Sportsman’s Club, P.O. Box 805, McGraw, N.Y. 13101, or the Emergency Squad, c/o Elaine Oros, 5771 McFarland Road, Cincinnatus, N.Y. 13040.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent by visiting www.klsharpfuneralhome.com.

Funeral services and interment for former Seminole resident Marcy (Marcelene) Hill Belew were held on Monday at Seaside Funeral Home Chapel in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Marcy, beloved mother and grandmother, went to be with the Lord on Friday, Aug. 3, 2007. Marcy was born to Walter and Laura Lorena Hill in Bristow, Okla., and was raised in Seminole. 

She attended Oklahoma College for Women in Chickasha, Okla., studying piano and organ. Marcy received numerous national piano competition honors.

Marcy was Secretary of the Year 1984 of the Coastal Bend Chapter of Professional Secretaries International. 

An excellent executive assistant, Marcy worked over the years for Prescon Construction, Stevenson & Stevenson, Whataburger, KIII-TV, and Driscoll Foundation Children’s Hospital, where she was named January 1991 Employee of the Month.

Marcy remained an avid bridge player and always enjoyed getting a foursome together and substituting in numerous bridge groups whenever possible. 

She used her musical gifts to play for the Agape Class of First United Methodist Church, and retirement and nursing homes during the Holidays.

Marcy was married for 54 years to the late George B. Belew.  Her parents, and two brothers, Herbert and Chalmer Hill, also preceded her in death. 

Marcy is survived by her daughter, Georgia Lynn Porcher of Leander, Texas; grandchildren: Marcy Porcher of Leander, Texas; Jimmy Thompson of Deer Park, Texas and Christopher Porcher of Corpus Christi, Texas; two great-grandsons, Tyler and Matthew; and nieces, Bobbi Kretschmar, Cleveland, Texas and Kay Hare, Boston, Massachusetts. 

She is greatly missed by family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Driscoll Foundation Children’s Hospital or one’s preferred charity.

Funeral services for Holdenville native Edward Lee Bender were held today at Immanuel Baptist in Norman with Bro. Bryce Scott officiating.

Services are under the direction of Havenbrook Funeral Home in Norman. Following services Ed will be moved to Shawnee Tribal grounds, where he will be laid to rest at daybreak Thursday morning.

Mr. Bender, 57, passed away Monday, June 25, 2007 in Norman. He was born on Oct. 15, 1949 in Holdenville to Lotman and Mary L. Bean Bender.

He was a longtime resident of Norman and the Little Axe area. He attended Norman High School and graduated in 1967.

Edward was a retired Vietnam Veteran Marine since 1993.

His mother; his father; mother-in-law, Lucille Longhorn, preceded him in death.

Surviving is his wife, Judy Longhorn Bender of the home; son, Jason Bender; daughters, Leah Bates, Lisa Botone and Leal Bender; brothers, Coleman Bender and Jonas Bender; sisters, Sherri Prevost and Cindy Scott and six grandchildren.

Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.havenbrookfuneralhome.com.

A memorial service for David Alan Bennett, formerly of Wewoka, has been scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday at the Penn. Avenue Redemption United Methodist Church, 1320 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Oklahoma City, where he was a member.

David Alan Bennett was born in Seminole on Sept. 2, 1954 to Denver Adrian Bennett and Helen Claye Bennett. 

Denver was in the ice business and Helen worked for the state Watershed Department, so David learned about serving dying causes from an early age. 

The Bennetts resided in Wewoka until David graduated from high school.

On Friday, April 6, 2007, David returned to the VA Hospital for what he believed would be nothing more than routine tests. 

The results were not what David hoped for, and he was kept for further evaluation. His health continued to both improve and deteriorate over the next two weeks. 

Though he put up a valiant fight, David ultimately lost his long struggle when his liver finally failed him. On Monday, April 23, 2007, sometime after 11:15 a.m., David went to be with Our Lord. 

His loving wife Donna was by his side the entire time and was with him when he passed away. He was 52 years young. 

In the course of his lifetime, David touched so many people in so many ways and that proof was seen in the many visitors that trailed in and out of the ICU in his final days. 

Throughout David’s extended hospital stay, he never lost his sense of humor and he entertained his visitors with his wisecracks and managed to make people smile even in this difficult time.

During his early schooling, David took piano lessons and showed somewhat of a flair for music. His most significant influences in music and in life during the formative years were his organ instructor, Stephenia Lobaugh; band director, Chelsea C. Cook; and countless rock, blues, and jazz bands. 

The latter were not always the best of influences, and David, being in touch with the Zeitgeist of the sixties and seventies, unfortunately incorporated chemical experimentation into his repertoire, forming habits that hampered him for decades.

David attended Central State College in Edmond, majoring in music and psychology, and---well, being a musician in college in the early seventies was something of a major in itself! 

Four years after matriculating, and clueless as to what to do with himself, David joined the Regular Army, where one is told what to do, and served in the 1st Armored Division in Germany. 

An unusual accident left him a ten-percent disabled veteran, and David received all his medical treatment from the Veteran’s Administration Hospital. 

The habits David discovered in college and reinforced in the military soon came back to haunt him, and David wound up a ward of the Oklahoma Department of Corrections for a short stretch.

This experience seemed to straighten David out, and he finished a B.S. in accounting from Central State University.  He then began roughly a decade and a half working in the accounting field. 

During that time he completed his MBA, graduating with honors near the top of his class. In addition to his accounting career, David worked steadily as a church organist as well as playing for countless weddings, funerals, and social events requiring cheesy dinner music.

Middle age started out unkind for David as he relapsed into substance abuse, went to federal prison (the "Club Fed" as he affectionately called it), and was diagnosed with late-phase liver disease. 

During this time, David finally let the love of Christ touch his life, and became a true believer. 

His medical condition improved remarkably, and upon release, David returned to Oklahoma to work for the Criminal Justice and Mercy Ministries (CJAMM) of the United Methodist Church, serving as the first site manager for the Exodus House in Tulsa for two years before returning to Oklahoma City to work for CJAMM’s Redemption Church ministries as administrator and church musician, then as a grant writer.

During this time, David had not only the benefit of having God in his life, but was blessed with so many valuable mentors, including the Rev. Dr. Dale Tremper, Director of Skyline Urban Ministries (405-236-5212), the Rev. Dr. Virginia Grey, Volunteer Coordinator of Criminal Justice and Mercy Ministries of Tulsa (405-530-2014), and the Rev. Tony Zahn, Director of The Education and Employment Ministries (405-235-5671). 

David asks that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to any or all of these ministries.  Please call the phone numbers listed for instructions on where to mail your contributions.

In 2003, the stars aligned and David finally found his other half, the love of his life, Donna Gail Thompson. 

On Aug. 13, 2005, Donna and David were wedded at Penn Avenue Redemption United Methodist Church in Oklahoma City.  They lived in wedded bliss for the remainder of David’s life, and they both believe that they will live happily ever after together in their greater glory.

During their first year of marriage, the affectionate couple purchased a house in Oklahoma City before an unexpected interruption occurred. 

Donna knew that the vows included the words "in sickness and in health", but did not expect the "sickness" part to rear its ugly head so soon. 

David’s liver failed in July of 2006, and he received a liver transplant at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, Tenn., under the auspices of the VA umbrella of care. 

The first year was a struggle, but thanks to Donna’s constant loving care, David’s health finally rebounded and life returned to some semblance of normal.

David was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Denver James Bennett, who was a Baptist minister who always accepted churches in Wyoming and Colorado, places far from the Southern Baptist Convention headquarters. 

He is survived by his wife, Donna, in their home in Oklahoma City, and three stepdaughters, Amber and Wendy, from a previous marriage, and Lauren, Donna’s daughter.

He will be missed tremendously by all those who knew him.  May God Bless David Alan Bennett and all those who love and miss him dearly.

David Bennett composed the following poem:

Life has rhythm

Life has a beat

Life is music

Life has feet

- so dance! 

Ed. Note: David Bennett wrote most of the obituary before his passing, and it was his wish for it to be published, "as is".

Funeral services for former Seminole resident Charlene Faye Berry are scheduled for 12 p.m. Saturday at the Wesley United Methodist Church in Shawnee with Rev. James Grayson officiating.

Interment is to follow at Earlsboro Cemetery with services under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.

Berry, 52, died Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007 at Select Specialty Hospital in Oklahoma City. She was born Nov. 27, 1953 in Seminole to Bobby Lee and Lucy Mae (Harris) Williams.

She was a cook at Tinker Golf Course in Oklahoma City for many years.

Her parents; one brother, Marvin Harris; grandmother, Lizzie Mar Harris; and grandfather, Arthur Harris, preceded her in death.

Surviving are two daughters, Dana Johnson of Oklahoma City and Charlotte Evett Berry of the home; son, Jackie Arnold Berry of the home; companion, Gordon Holliman of the home; twin sister, Darlene Winrow of Earlsboro; sisters, Irma Cheatham of Earlsboro, Veronica Bernard of Earlsboro and Gerner Williams of Texas; brothers, Maurice Harris of Shawnee, Rodney Harris of Spencer and Mike Williams of Chandler; and three grandchildren.

Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.swearingenfuneralhome.com.

Funeral services for former Seminole resident Chad Bettelyoun are scheduled for 1 p.m. Monday at Resthaven Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Sam Henry officiating.

Interment is to follow at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home, Shawnee.

Bettelyoun, 33 of Hollywood, Fla., died in a four-wheeler accident Monday, Jan. 1, 2007 in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. He was born March 9, 1973 in Lynnwood, Calif. to Lester and Donna (Whiteley) Bettelyoun.

He is a 1991 graduate of Seminole High School.

His grandfather, Woodrow Whiteley and grandparents, Isac and Sofia Bettelyoun preceded him in death.

Survivors include his parents of Shawnee; grandmother, Dennie Whiteley of Shawnee; brothers, L.J. and Wally Bettelyoun of Seminole, Isac Bettelyoun of Florida, Charles and John Bettelyoun of Shawnee and sisters, Sofia Fowler of Shawnee and Sonia Rich of Norman.

In lieu of flowers the family has suggested donation be made in his memory to the Immanuel Baptist Church Building Fund.

Funeral services for longtime Wewoka resident and pastor, Ray Bevelhymer, are scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday at Bethel Pentecostal Holiness Church with burial to follow at Oakwood Cemetery.

Services will be under the direction of Stout-Phillips Funeral Home, Wewoka.

Ray Bevelhymer went to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 10, 2007 at his home at the age of 70. Ray was born in Wewoka on Aug. 24, 1936 to Herman and Nan (Smith) Bevelhymer.

His parents preceded him in death.

He grew up on a dairy farm southwest of Wewoka and graduated from New Lima High School at the age of 16 years in 1953.

Ray then enlisted in the United States Navy for four years. After serving his country he married Janice Pollard on Feb. 14, 1959. They made their home on a farm near his childhood home place.

Ray was a hard worker and everyone was fond of his sweet and kind spirit. He saw the best in people and never spoke a bad word of anyone.

He served as pastor of the bethel Pentecostal Holiness Church.

Surviving is his loving wife, Janice, of the home; sister, Ann Cain of Wewoka; brothers, Earl Bevelhymer of Wewoka, Darrell Bevelhymer of Arlington, Texas and Jake Bevelhymer of Oklahoma City and many nieces and nephews who thought "Uncle Ray" was a very special Christian and loving uncle.

Graveside services for newborn Scotland Nicole Bible are scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday at Oakwood Cemetery with Rev. Drew Isaacs officiating.

Services are under the direction of Stout-Phillips Funeral Home, Wewoka.

Bible died Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2007 at Carl Albert Hospital in Ada at birth. She is the daughter of Byron and Racheal (Moore) Bible of Sasakwa.

Survivors include her parents; sisters, Ivy Bible and Presley Kirkwood of the home; maternal grandparents, Jeff and Dona Hudson and Norman Moore; paternal grandparents, Gary and Shelly Bible; great-grandparents, Sam and Arnetta Harjo, Melba Sprawl, Tom and Brenda Hudson, V.L. and Alice Watters and Wayne and Beatrice Bible, all of Sasakwa.

Funeral services for Earlsboro resident Travis "T.J." James Billings are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Earlsboro High School auditorium.

Services are under the direction of the John M. Ireland Funeral Home and Chapel, Moore.

T.J. passed away Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2007, on what was to be his 18^th birthday. He was born on Sept. 25, 1989 to Martin and Pamela Billings.

He liked music and was currently learning to play the guitar. T.J. was a junior at Earlsboro High School and he loved to watch sports, especially OSU.

T.J. had a great personality and loved spending time with his family and friends.

His mother and three uncles, Barry and Heavy Odom and Harry Billings, preceded him in death.

Surviving is his father; two sisters and brother-in-law Christina Billings and Christy and Stephen King; two brothers and sister-in-law, Marty Billings and Kenneth and Donna Billings and five nephews, Dustin, Brandon, Ryan and Dylan Billings and Trevor King.

Funeral services for Colton Preston Wayne Billingsley, relative of many Seminole County residents, are set for 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 23, 2007, at the Pittsburg School baseball field.

Rev. George Spears is set to officiate.

Burial will follow at Blanco Cemetery in Blanco, Okla.

In case of rain, the services will be held at the Pittsburg School gym.

Casket bearers are listed as Hunter Wilson, Tony Dawkins, Billy Wilson, Henry Hudson, Johnny James, Cody Duke, and Western Thomason. Honorary bearers will be members of the Pittsburg baseball and basketball teams.

Billingsley died Saturday, May 19, 2007, at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, at the age of 15.

He was born Sept. 17, 1991 in McAlester to Steve and Kelly Billingsley.

Colton Billingsley was active in sports, participating in archery, fishing, boating, hunting and camping.

He was a freshman at Pittsburg High School, where he was a member of the baseball and basketball teams.

He was a member of the Pittsburg First Methodist Church.

Billingsley is survived by his parents; brother, Micah; sisters, Taylor and Chandler, all of the home; sister, Kayla Janes of Wewoka; grandparents Terry and Darline Williams of Blanco; grandmother Mary Lou Billingsley of Wewoka; great-grandmothers Vivian Dodson of Sallisaw and Faye N. Williams of McAlester; great-grandfather Richard McCormick; and others.

A memorial benefit fund has been set up in Billingsley’s name at BancFirst in McAlester and at the Security State Bank in Wewoka.

Funeral services for Wewoka resident Albert L. Black are scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday at East Main Church of Christ, Holdenville.

Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery under the direction of Stout-Phillips Funeral Home.

Albert passed away Tuesday, May 8, 2007. He was born Sept. 10, 1934 in Indianola, Okla., to Miles David and Evie Olivia (Robinson) Black.

Albert entered the United States Navy on Dec. 2, 1953 and served on the U.S.S. Yorktown during the Korean conflict as a Petty Officer 3^rd Class upon discharge on Oct. 11, 1957.

He attended Spaulding Schools and drove a truck for Seminole County until his retirement in 1980 due to illness.

On Oct. 29, 1974 he married Elaine Gleason Schardt. His greatest love was his family and he especially enjoyed his grandchildren. He was a member of the East Main Church of Christ, Holdenville.

His parents and two brothers, Carl and J.R. Black preceded him in death.

Surviving is his wife. Elaine Black, of the home; five sons and two daughters, Dennis Black and wife Carol of Parkville, Mo., Don Black and wife Dee Dee of Grandview, Mo., Mark Black and wife Lorene of Seminole, John Black and wife Tam of Kapolei, Hawaii, Michael Black and wife Lisa of Wewoka; Pamela Macey of Overland, Kan., and Angela Tillis and husband Reginald of Magnolia, Texas; 20 grandchildren; five sisters and one brother, Jean Garvin, Dorothy Jones, Shirley Arthur, Jane Keeney, Joann Jumet and Oscar Black; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for longtime Seminole resident Geneva Black will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel with Wade Robertson officiating.

Interment will follow at Tecumseh Mission Cemetery in Tecumseh, under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole..

Geneva Black passed away on Friday, July 27, 2007 at the age of 85. She was born on Oct. 25, 1921 in Tecumseh to Robert and Louella Mae (West) Dockery.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Ronnie and Mary Black of Seminole; two daughters and sons-in-law, Lillian Compton of Maud and Veta and Larry Wilson of Oklahoma City and one brother and sister-in-law, Gerald and Jean Dockery of Wewoka.

Four grandchildren also survive her, Rhonda Canfield, Sherry Beasley, Dean Pence and Aaron Compton as well as seven great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Thurman Black in 2004; two brothers, Louie Dockery and Lee Dockery and one sister: Bernice Doty.

Messages of condolences may be sent to the family at www.swearingenfuneralhome.com.

Funeral services for Sasakwa resident Donald John Blackburn are scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church in Sasakwa with Rev. James Hopkins and Wesley Martin officiating.

Interment is to follow at Vamoosa Cemetery under the direction of Stout-Phillips Funeral Home, Wewoka.

Blackburn, 73, died Sunday, June 24, 2007 in Ada. He was born Jan. 21, 1934 in Sasakwa to John Ellis and Nellie Josephine (Eberle) Blackburn.

After graduating from Sasakwa Schools he worked as a farmer and rancher, and also worked as a farm and oil field mechanic. He was also a volunteer for Sasakwa Fire Department and a member of First Baptist Church, Sasakwa.

On Aug. 20, 1966 he married Mary Louise Tucker in Seminole.

His parents; infant son, Johnnie Lee Blackburn; two brothers, Eutah and Lloyd Douglas Blackburn; three sisters, Inez, Bessie Pearl and "little sister" Blackburn, preceded him in death.

Surviving is his wife of the home; sons, Donald James Blackburn and Eugene Charles Blackburn, both of Sasakwa; two granddaughters; three grandsons; two brothers, Jesse Blackburn of Sasakwa and Joseph Eugene Blackburn of St. George, Utah; three sisters, Irene Eudaley of Grapevine, Texas, Eula Mae Clark of Oklahoma City and Alvenia Degge of Wewoka.

Pallbearers will be Jacob Clark, David Reggio, Danny Reggio, Kenneth Welch, John Matthew Clark, Derek Clark and Brandon Sims.

Honorary bearers will be Levi Blackburn, Austin Blackburn, Colton Blackburn, Kelly Blackburn, Danielle Blackburn and Grace Blackburn.

Funeral services for longtime Wewoka resident Pauline "Gladys" Blackwell are scheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday at First Free Well Baptist Church with Rev. Robert McClure.

Interment is to follow at Oakwood Cemetery and is under the direction of Stout-Phillips Funeral Home, Wewoka.

Pauline went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, Dec. 13, 2007 in Wewoka. She was born July 6, 1916 in Shawnee to William Foster and Montie (Cox) Gray.

Pauline was a cook, devoted housewife, mother and grandmother. She loved quilt making, crocheting, making ceramics, and was an active member of the First Free Will Baptist Church, Wewoka, for many years.

Her parents; husband, Euarl Blackwell; son, Jack Blackwell; grandson, Ronald Blackwell; sisters, Nellie Lathrop and Thelma Clary; and brother, Lloyd Gray.

Survivors include daughter, Karlita and husband Jim Smith of Petaluma, Calif.; son, Tom and wife Lori Blackwell of Wewoka; daughter-in-law, Jane Blackwell of Oklahoma City; 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A special thanks to the kind and caring staff of Elmwood Nursing Home.

Funeral services for Wewoka native Roy Russell Blanton are scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday at Stout-Phillips Funeral Chapel with Delmar Humes officiating.

Interment is to follow at Oakwood Cemetery under the direction of Stout-Phillips Funeral Home, Wewoka.

Roy passed away Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007 in Oklahoma City. He was born Nov. 12, 1917 in Wewoka to Tom Luther Blanton and Laura (Talley) Blanton.

Roy was a member of Mission Home Baptist Church. He was in the United States Army during World War II and later worked for the Oklahoma State Highway Department and retired.

Roy loved woodworking, gardening and listening to music.

He and Georgia "Pauline" Jackson married Feb. 27, 1943 in Wewoka.

His parents and siblings: Nathan Blanton, Otis Blanton, Ruby Blanton, Sylvia Krause, Iva Buckner, and Edith Blanton, preceded him in death.

Survivors include sons, James Blanton and wife Joy of Seminole, Jerry Blanton and wife Linda of Chandler, Don Blanton and wife Beverly of Oklahoma City and Wendell Blanton of Wewoka; daughter, Darlene Choate and husband Mickey of Sasakwa; nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Pall bearers will be: Tom Walls, Tommy Walls, Gene Goodnight, Larry Koon, Dan Houser and Charles Belcher.

Funeral services for longtime Seminole County resident Donald Wayne "Donnie" Blassingame are scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel, Seminole. Rev. Bobby Shatto will officiate the service.

Interment will follow at Little Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.

Blassingame, 58, died Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2007 at his home north of Seminole. He was born March 1, 1949 in Shawnee to parents, Jeff Carl Blassingame and Frances "Biddy" (Johnson) Blassingame.

He graduated from Dale High School in 1967 and worked as a route sales driver working for the Coors Company for 15 years and then for Budweiser for 10 years.

 His father preceded him in death.

Survivors include his mother, Frances "Biddy" Blassingame of Shawnee; one son, Brian Blassingame of Seminole; one daughter, Stephanie of Maud; former wife and the mother of his children, Joann Cantwell of Seminole; brothers, Jimmy Blassingame and Stevie Blassingame, all of Shawnee; one sister, Cindy Halbert of Shawnee; and five grandchildren. 

Casket bearers will be: Eddie Carter, Bobby Hayes, Noland Long, Jimmy Brewer, Warren Blassingame and Joe Blassingame.

Honorary bearers will be: David Hodges and Dee Hodges.

In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested that donations be made to Bank NA, 206 E. Wanda Jackson Blvd., Maud, OK, 74854.

Messages of condolence can be sent to the family online at www.swearingenfuneralhome.com.

A memorial service will be held at a later date for former longtime Cromwell resident, Virgil Bleeker.

Bleeker, 63, of Santos, Texas died Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007 in Santos, Texas. He was born June 10, 1944 in Cromwell to Albert and Louise Bleeker.

He graduated from Butner High school and served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam. Bleeker worked in the oilfield.

His parents preceded him in death.

Surviving is his wife, Shirley Bleeker of the home; one daughter, Dena Bleeker of Florida; four stepsons: Wade, David, Billie, and Kenny Bleeker; one sister, Claudene Parker of Haskell; and two brothers, Dwaine Bleeker of Eureka Springs, Ark., and Frank Bleeker of Cromwell.

Graveside services for Moore resident Carolyn Joy Boatman will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at Little Cemetery, Seminole, and officiated by Pastor Roy Robertson, Bowlegs Assembly of God Church.

Carolyn Joy Boarman was born July 22, 1932 to William and Selma Bruce in Norman. She died peacefully in her sleep on Oct. 27, 2007 at the Moore Nursing Center.

In 1949 Joy married Lee Roy Arnold (deceased) and she has three loving children from that union: daughter, Treva Vaughn and husband Jim of Norman, and sons Jimmie and Damon Arnold of Earlsboro.

She later married Joe H. Boatman (deceased) in 1963 and from this union has one loving son, James Boatman of Oklahoma City.

Though she loved her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was especially close to her granddaughter, Jolisha Boatman, whom she raised.

She is also survived by one sister, Pauline Martin; one brother, Larry Bruce and wife Carolyn of Seminole; and a dear uncle, Jack Bishop and wife Lorene of Norman.

Joy was preceded in death by both husbands; parents; brothers, Jimmy Bruce, Jerry Bruce, John Bruce and Vandle Bruce; sister, Wanda Phillips; and granddaughter, Samantha Arnold.

Joy’s family sincerely thanks the special angels of Moore Nursing Center, Crossroads Hospice, and Good Shepherd Hospice.

Visitation and condolences may be made at John M. Ireland Funeral Home and Chapel, 120 S. Broadway in Moore.

Graveside services for former Wewoka resident, Lois Mae Walker Bohanon, are scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday at the Oakwood Cemetery Pavilion.

Services will be conducted by Rev. Meredith Robinson and under the direction of Demuth Funeral Home, Oklahoma City.

Lois Mae passed away Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. She was born in Yowell, Texas as the third of five children to Walter Wesley Walker and Lucyle Brimm Walker.

Lois Mae moved to Wewoka in 1936 to establish a home with her husband, Andrew Bohanon. They raised three children, Josh Lee Bohanon, Andrewette Bohanon Wood and Webster Walker Bohanon.

She was a member of the Eastern Star Seminole Chapter #452 and the American Legion Auxiliary; retiring from Civil Service at Tinker Air Force Base in 1977.

Lois Mae was preceded in death be her parents; husband, Andrew; both sons, Josh and Webb; all four of her siblings, Jack Walker, Cleo Walker Bonner, Bill Walker and Webster Walker; and one great-grandson, Ryan Mitchell Wood.

She is survived by daughter, Andrewette Wood and fiancé Jack Gregg of Edmond; daughter-in-law, Judy Bohanon of Oklahoma City; five grandchildren, James Bonner Wood and wife Brenda, Lee Ann Wood and partner Kerry VanEss, Robert Andrew Wood and wife Tammy, Josh Lee Bohanon II and wife Amanda and James Webster Bohanon; six great-grandchildren, Candice and husband Jay, Stephanie, Audrey, Breanna, Addyson and Wyatt; and one great-great grandson, Cooper Ryan.

Three nephews and one niece, Joe Lee Walker, Jackie Mae Walker, John Brimm Walker and Paul Edward Walker and sister-in-law, Viola Sullivan, also survive Lois Mae.

The family would like to thank Dr. Robert McCaffree and the staff of Mercy Hospice, especially Sonja, Nicki and Denise.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Mercy Hospice, 4401 W. Memorial Rd., Suite 143, Oklahoma City, OK 73134.

Funeral services for Holdenville native Lester Lee Bottoms are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in the First United Methodist Church in Wagoner with Rev. Randy Mitchell officiating.

Interment is to follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Seminole under the direction of Hersman-Nichols Funeral Home, Wagoner.

Lester Lee Bottoms passed away Saturday, Feb. 3, 2007 in Tulsa at the age of 81 years. He was born Oct. 4, 1925 in Holdenville to Grover Cleveland and Addie Belle (Tucker) Bottoms.

Lester married Verna Lou McCluskey on Dec. 25, 1948 in Seminole.

He served with the United States Navy aboard submarines during World War II, where he was a radioman and electronic tech on the U.S.S. Pompon from 1943 to 1945.

Lester attended Seminole Junior College and OSU before working in the oilfields for National Supply Company in Healdton and then Thompson Pump Company in Drumright.

While working in the oilfield, Lester was called in to the ministry after which he graduated from seminary at S.M.U. in Dallas, Texas.

He began his ministry as pastor in the United Methodist Church in Ft. Gibson-Woodall in 1966. He also served as pastor at Aline-Cleo Springs, Fargo-May, Shindler-Grinola-Foraker, Hydro, Selecman-St. Paul United Methodist Church in Oklahoma City, in Alva at Oterbein and Hartshorne-Haileyville.

Lester retired in June of 1991 and he was a member of the First United Methodist Church, an avid genealogist and a member of the WWII Subs Veterans, serving both as National and State Chaplain.

His parent, wife Verna (Feb. 5, 2006) and one brother preceded him in death.

Lester is survived by his sons, Dr. Keith L. Bottoms and wife, Lynne, of Broken Arrow, Carl S. Bottoms and wife, Carol, of Ponca City, Glen E. Bottoms and wife, Aurora, of The Colony, Texas and Leslee Dale Bottoms and wife, Cindy, of Wagoner; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brothers, Garrell Bottoms of The Woodlands, Texas and Loyd Bottoms of Mixa. Mo.; sisters, Naomi Rafferty of Cushing and Julia Fairbanks of Shawnee and many nieces, nephews ad friends.

Funeral services for former Sasakwa resident Georgia Bougio are scheduled for 1 p.m. Monday at Stout-Phillips Funeral Home Chapel, Wewoka.

Interment is to follow at Oakwood Cemetery under the direction of Stout-Phillips Funeral Home.

Bougio, 79, died Thursday, Sept. 20, 2007 in Oklahoma City. She was born Nov. 8, 1927 in Holdenville to George Jackson and Myrtle Lee (Mundell) Ward.

She attended school in Sasakwa and on June 18, 1959 she married Theodore Bougio.

Her parents; husband (March 6, 1993); son, Jess Bucklyet Doolen; brothers, George Ward, Bill Ward, Leroy Ward; and sisters, Beulah Ward, Myrtle Faye Williams, and Marie Young, preceded her in death.

Surviving is son, Henry Walker Peters of Newcastle, Okla.; daughter, Shelia Runae McKeel of Tuttle; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Graveside services for Duncan resident Jorene Driskill Bowers are scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday at Little cemetery with Rev. Lonnie DaVoull officiating.

Interment is under the direction of Don Grantham Funeral Home, Duncan.

Jorene, 79, passed away peacefully on Monday, Dec. 17, 2007 in Lawton. She was born Sept. 15, 1928 in Bristow to Thompson A. and Rhoda (Shirley) Ingram.

On Aug. 8, 1947 she married Eugene Dale Driskill, Sr. They were happily married for 21 years and raised their three children in Shawnee.

Eugene preceded her in death on Nov. 11, 1968. Jorene married Walter Lee Bowers on Nov. 5, 1987 and they moved to Duncan in 1995. They enjoyed each other’s comfort, love and company until Lee passed away on March 27, 2004.

Jorene was a homemaker and attended Ray of Hope Church.

Survivors include a son, Eugene Dale Driskill, Jr., and daughter-in-law, Betty, of Duncan; two daughters, Cindy Davis of Ingleside, Texas and Connie Miller and son-in-law, Frank, of Duncan’ eight grandchildren’ and 17 great-grandchildren.

Jorene will be greatly missed by her beloved dogs, Tilly and Little Bear.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.granthamfuneralhomes.com.

Funeral services for Sasakwa native Gwen "Jane" Boydstun are set for 2 p.m. Thursday, May 24, 2007, at the First Baptist Church in Stonewall, with Gary Jamar officiating.

Funeral services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home of Seminole.

Interment will follow at Stonewall Cemetery in Stonewall.

A wake service will be held Wednesday, May 23, 2007, at 6 p.m., at the Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel in Seminole.

Boydstun died May 20, 2007, at Carl Albert Hospital in Ada, at the age of 60.

She was born Sept. 12, 1946, in Sasakwa, to Robert Harjo and Francis (Burgess) Tanyan.

Boydstun attended Ardmore and Vamoosa Schools, graduating in 1964. She continued her education, getting her Certified Nursing Attendant’s certification.

She lived in and around Seminole County most of her life, marrying Bobby Boydstun Sr. in 1964. He preceded her in death in 1990.

She was also preceded in death by a sister, Jennifer Kay Tue; the grandparents who raised her, Nancy (Alexander) Burgess and Walter Caesar Burgess.

Boydstun is survived by a son, Bobby Boydstun Jr. of Ada; a daughter, Wendie Wood of Newalla; a brother, Lee Wayne Wood of Denton, Texas; and a sister, Nancy Jo Hernden of Seminole.

Messages of condolences may be left for the family at swearingenfuneralhome.com.

Funeral services for the great-granddaughter of Junior and Virginia Rogers of Seminole are scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday at the Kirby & Family Funeral Service Chapel, Mountain Home, Ark.

Rev. Marc Johnson will officiate and burial will follow at Baxter Memorial Gardens, Mountain Home.

Services are under the direction of Kirby & Family Funeral and Cremation Services.

Madelyne Taylor Boyt entered in to eternal rest on Monday, April 2, 2007 in Mountain Home, Ark., at the age of nine years, eight months and 16 days.

She was born July 16, 1997 in Bakersfield, Calif., to Sean Michael and Angela Williams Boyt and she was of the Christian faith.

Madelyne was a 4^th grade student at Guy Berry Elementary School in Mountain Home. She sang in the school choir and loved art, drawing and had a passion for animals (especially lions and dogs).

Surviving are her parents of Lakeview; one brother, Nathan Michael Boyt of Lakeview; paternal grandparents, Michael Ray Boyt of Lakeview and Cindy Anderson of Bakersfield, Calif.; paternal great-grandparents, Paul Mojica of Bakersfield and Junior and Virginia Rogers of Seminole and Jodi Stroud of Lakeview; maternal grandparents, Michael and Jeanie Williams of Bakersfield and Myra Williams of Bakersfield and maternal great-grandfather, Virgil Williams of Delta, Colo.

The family asks that memorials be made to the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Funeral services for longtime Seminole County resident Terry Lee Brennan are scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday at Seminole First Free Will Baptist Church with Rev. David McDougal officiating.

Rev. Malcom Tiger, Rev. Eddie Goodin and Rev. Frank Moppin will assist the services.

Interment is to follow at Little Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.

Terry Lee Brennan passed away on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2007 in Oklahoma City, at the age of 49, after a yearlong battle with lung cancer.

He was born Aug. 1, 1957 in Denison, Texas to Lawerence Daniel and Louise "Billie" (Tiger) Brennan.

He graduated from Holdenville High School in 1977. He met and later married Dessie Moore on June 29, 1979 in Bowlegs.

He served four years in the Ada National Guard.

Terry moved back to Seminole from Konawa seven years ago. He and his wife attended Seminole First Free Will Baptist Church in Seminole.

Terry worked for the City of Seminole Street Department, where he stopped working on July 31 due to illness.

His father, Lawerence Daniel Brennan (2002); two sisters, Reba Jayne Scott (1970) and Lee-Ann Scott (1968) and one brother, Tommy Brennan (1988) preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife, Dessie Brennan of the home; one son and daughter-in-law, Jason S. and Sandra Brennan of Stillwater and two daughters and a son-in-law, Tara L. and Ricky Isaacs of Tecumseh and Jennifer L. Brennan of Seminole.

Other survivors include his mother, Louise "Billie" Scott of Shawnee; stepfather, Johnson Scott of Oklahoma City; stepmother, Carolyn Brennan of Sheridan, Wyo.; six brothers, Larry Brennan of Maud, Gordan Scott of Shawnee, David Scott of Okmulgee, Lee Scott of Meeker, Acee Scott of Shawnee and Matt Brennan of Laurel, Mont.; eight sisters, Sharon Reyes of Greenville, Texas, Savina Miller of Ada, Gwen Scott of Rowlett, Texas, Saundra Harley of Okmulgee, Joan Randazzo of Rowlett, Texas, Laurie Wood of Sheridan, Wyo., Gail Shaffer of Gillette, Wyo., and Mary Legerski of Sheridan, Wyo. and four grandchildren, Jacob and Yahaira Brennan, both of Stillwater and Alexus and Trey Isaacs, both of Tecumseh.

Casket bearers for the services will be: Noe Reyes, Chillaine Jose Reyes, Timothy Moore, Axel Barner, Blaze Randazzo and Biagio Randazzo.

Honorary bearers will be: Marc Brennan, Chris Moore and Zack Barner.

Funeral services with military honors are scheduled for lifelong Seminole resident James "Chester" Brinker for 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Historic Strothers Chapel located in Maple Grove Cemetery.

Quincy Hammonds is to officiate the service. Services are entrusted to Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.

Chester passed from this life Saturday, Nov. 10, 2007 in Seminole. He was born Oct. 29, 1918 in Nowata, Okla., to parents Pearl (Marler) Brinker and Lawrence Brinker.

Chester served in the United States Army during World War II.

Chester married Ethelda Stubbs on Nov. 8, 1945 in Seminole. Chester worked as a welder and then after his retirement he along with his wife worked as cattle ranchers and farmers. He was a member of the Church of the First Born in Shawnee.

Mr. Brinker leaves to cherish his memory one son and daughter-in-law, Stephen and his wife Edna Brinker of Seminole; one daughter and son-in-law, Glenda and her husband John Nicholson of Seminole; one sister and brother-in-law, Avis and her husband Delbert Bradford of Granbury, Texas; and four grandchildren and their spouses: Kevin and wife Jade Brinker of Seminole, Jason and wife Missy Brinker of Seminole, Shelley and husband Arvey Howell of Nashville, Tenn., and Tracy and husband Chris Carrell of Seminole.

In addition, 12 great-grandchildren: Nicholas Brinker, Trevor Brinker, Jacque Sinor, Brian Sims and Chandler Carrell all of Seminole, Jessica Waldron and John Waldron of Tecumseh, Garrison Carrell of Mustang, Taylor Howell, Houston Howell, Nate Howell and Blake Howell all of Nashville, Tenn.; and one great-great grandchild, Desirae Waldron and another great-great grandchild is expected in December, all survived him.

Chester is preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 57 years, Ethelda Brinker, who died April 30, 2002; two sisters, Pauline Ledford and Omagine Brinker and two brothers, Rodney and Calvin Brinker.

Casket bearers will be: Kevin Brinker, Jason Brinker, Nicholas Brinker, Chris Carrell, Arvey Howell and John Robert Waldron

Honorary bearers will be members of the Church of the First Born in Shawnee.

Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.swearingenfuneralhome.com.

Funeral services for Holdenville resident, Sharon Joan Brinlee, 63, are scheduled for 2 pm, Thursday at Capitol Heights Missionary Baptist Church with Brother Jim Crawford officiating.

Burial will follow the service at Holdenville Cemetery under the direction of Hudson-Phillips Funeral Home.

Sharon passed away at home on Monday, June 4, 2007 after a short battle with cancer. Sharon Joan Brinlee was born Sept. 23, 1943 in Holdenville to Laverne "Bun" Smith and Marie Carroll Smith.

She was a graduate of Holdenville High School. On May 31, 1961 Sharon married Curtis Brinlee and the couple made their home in Holdenville.

She was a member of Capitol Heights Missionary Baptist Church and taught the kindergarten Sunday school class for 20 years. Sharon was also the secretary for the Capitol Heights Ladies Auxiliary.

She was recently retired with 36 years of dedication to Dr.’s Irby and Irby. Sharon loved to read and collected figurines and ornaments. Her brightest smile came when she spent time with her grandchildren.

Her parents and one sister, Peggy Elliott, preceded Sharon in death.

Survivors include her husband, Curtis, of the home; son, Kerry Dean and wife, Becky, of Seminole; daughter, Angela Gail Enos, and husband, Steve, of Holdenville; grandchildren: Katy and Kory Brinlee of Seminole, Brittany and Amber Simpson, of Holdenville; sister, Geraldine Smith and husband, Robert, of Holdenville; sister, Carolyn May, of Shawnee; brother, Larry Smith and wife, Sandy, of Shawnee; brother, Gary Smith and wife, Linda, of Eufaula; extended family members: mother-in-law, Madge Brinlee, of Holdenville; brother-in-law, Hartsell Brinlee and wife, Joetta, of Okemah; brother-in-law, Alton Brinlee and wife, Penna, of Olive Branch, Mississippi; brother-in-law, Kenneth Brinlee and wife, Collene, of Holdenville; sister-in-law, Pat Ray and husband, Ed, of Wetumka; and step-grandchildren, Mitch and Blake Enos, of Holdenville. Sharon leaves numerous other nieces, nephews, other relatives and a community of friends.

Pallbearers are Bob Irby, Mark Olney, Benny Miller, Charlie Ownbey, Jim Smith, and Chase Phillips. The men of Capitol Heights Missionary Baptist Church will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Memorial services for Wewoka resident Paul Junior Brinsfield are scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at Gleaners Holiness Church, Wewoka, with Rev. Larry Chesser and Rev. Lloyd Cross to officiate.

Services are under the direction of Fisher Funeral Home of Holdenville.

Brinsfield, 64, died Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007 at his home. He was born July 9, 1943 in Sapulpa to Clarence and Bertha M. (Meneely) Brinsfield.

He was raised in Wewoka until the age of 15, when his family moved to California. He spent his adult life in California before moving back to Wewoka in September 1999.

Brinsfield worked all his life as an auto and diesel mechanic, and worked for many years repairing and maintaining Freightliner Trucks.

He also worked for various car dealerships before operating his own shop and garage, Paul’s Auto Repair, in Wewoka.

His parents; two sisters, Betty Howdeshell and Irma DeBarge; on granddaughter; and adopted daughter, Ineka Edmondson, preceded him in death.

Surviving are six children: Raimie Mires of Wewoka, Paula Vallejo of Spaulding, Nancy Khorremdel of Torrance, Calif., Jennifer Brinsfield, Joseph Brinsfield and Jessica Brinsfield, all of Wewoka; five grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; one brother, Edward Lamb of Spokane, Wash.; one sister, Bertha Mae Phillips of South Carolina; adopted daughter, Dana Hamilton; and adopted sister, Clara Payton.

Graveside services for Wewoka area resident Eugene Earl Bristow are scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday at Vamoosa Cemetery with Rev. Larry Chesser, Jr., officiating.

Interment will follow under the direction of Williamson Funeral Home of Wetumka.

Bristow, 64, died Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2007 at his home near Wewoka. He was born Feb. 18, 1942 in Shawnee to Joshua Bristow and Dorothy Hughes Bristow.

He was raised in the Shawnee and Oklahoma City areas where he attended school. He later relocated to California where in 1969 he married Mary Johnson at Santa Anna.

The couple lived there three years before returning to Oklahoma in the early 1970’s. Aside from a short time in Texas, the couple mostly lived in Oklahoma where he worked as a truck driver in the oil fields.

Bristow and his wife settled in the Wewoka area some 23 years ago.

He enjoyed yard work and tinkering with his lawnmowers.

His parents, brother Bobby and an infant son, Joshua Barney Bristow, preceded him n death.

Surviving is his wife, Mary, of the home; three children, Debra Dunn of Lowell, Ark., Eugene Bristow jr. of Wewoka and Rita Giboney of Midland, Ark.; brother, Ray Bristow of Seminole; sister, Linda Nelson of Shawnee; stepbrother, Johnny Stephens of Oklahoma City; 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for lifelong Maud resident Ella "Janet" Brock are scheduled for 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 20, 2007, at the First Baptist Church in Maud, under the direction of Knight-Swearingen Funeral Home of Maud.

Burial is set to follow at Wolf Cemetery in Seminole County.

Brock died in her Maud home on Sunday, June 17, 2007, at the age of 59.

She was born on Jan. 15, 1948, in Maud, to Lillard Terry "T-boy" Palmer and Mildred Berniece (Duncan) Palmer.

Brock worked for Citizen State Bank in Maud and then for Acker Industries in Wewoka until 2002.

She was a former member of the Maud Round-up Club and was a bunco player.

Brock was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her former husband and the father of her children, W.R. Brock of Tecumseh; two sons, Ty Brock and Todd Brock, both of Maud; special friend Bill Randell, of the home; two brothers, Travis Palmer and Terry Palmer, both of Maud; two sisters, Robin Pack of Maud and Holli Jackson of Bethel Acres; and one grandchild is expected.

Funeral services for former Seminole County resident Christopher Albert Broome are scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday at Brumley-Mills Chapel with Rev. Andy Young officiating.

Interment is to follow at the Broome Family Cemetery under the direction of Brumley-Mills Funeral Home, McAlester.

Broome, 41, died Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007 in Tulsa. He was born May 12, 1966 in McAlester to Paul J. and Martha Beatrice (Beeler) Broome.

He has lived in the McAlester are most of his life and worked on oil field rigs. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.

His parents preceded him in death.

Surviving are siblings: Mary Ann Summers of Ohio, James Broome of McAlester, Andrea Jarschae of Seattle, Wash., Brenda Broomw of McAlester, Martha Pearson of Tulsa, Paul Broome of Wewoka, Ernie Broome of Seminole, Janet Cook of McAlester, Mary Loving of Tulsa and Kenneth DeWees of Tulsa.

Pallbearers will be: James Broome, Paul Broome, Ernie Broome, Kenny DeWees, Ricky Cook and Mike Ott.

Honorary bearers will be: Jeff McGehee, Clifford Myers, Danny Myers, Trey Cook, Payton Broome, and Heath Broome.

Funeral services for longtime Seminole resident Benjamin "Big Ben" Brown are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Swearingen Funeral Chapel, Seminole, with Manuel Revas officiating.

Interment will follow at Little Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.

Brown died Thursday, Dec. 20, 2007 in Oklahoma City at the age of 66. He was born on March 5, 1941 in Wanette to Cornelious A. and Ellen (Smith) Miller Brown.

He worked for Plumbers and Pipe Fitter Local #344 in Oklahoma City for many years and was a member of the union for 31 years.

His parents; one daughter, Angela Dawn Paul; two sisters, Betty Brown and Sally Brown; and two half-brothers, Marion Dodie and Sonny Dodie, preceded him in death.

Surviving are two sons, Bennie Brown of Bowlegs and Benjamin Brown Jr., of McAlester; two brothers, Leonard brown of Texas and Delmer Brown of Kansas; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be: Ricky Williams, Eddie Loving, Dallas Johnson, Albert Corona, Danny England, and Mike Worley.

Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.swearingenfuneralhome.com.

Memorial services for Seminole native Carl L. "Pottsie" Brown are scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday at First Baptist Church in Sapulpa with Rev. Doyle Pryor officiating.

Services are under the direction of Smith Funeral Home.

Brown, 70 of Sapulpa, died Thursday, June 21, 2007. He was born June 7, 1937 in Seminole to Carl Evan and Mary Etta (Dunigan) Brown.

He attended Seminole Schools and graduated from Seminole High School. In 1958 he married Ginger Rush in Seminole.

Brown retired from Explorer Pipeline after 33 years of service. He also served in the United States Navy and was a member of First Baptist Church, Sapulpa.

He enjoyed fishing and golfing, and coached baseball for 13 years.

Surviving is his wife of the home; son, Cheyenne Brown of Sapulpa; daughters, Sabrina Bridges of Owasso and Renee Enlow of Sapulpa; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild and brother, Leslie Dale Brown of Ne Sidell, La.